Hey all! I am planning up to revamp the entire blog. So, for the time being, there will be no new posts. But not to worry, the revamped site will be better!=) Do check it out soon! See ya guys and be environment-conscious! =) the world needs us as much as we need them!;)
Cheers!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Delay on June/July issue
Sorry readers for the long await. I was away and so was my colleague who was having exams. Since the April/May issue is over, we now have the June/July issue coming up which is energy!! So, let us know about your opinions and suggestions on the articles that will be posted. Post us questions and we'll try our best to get back to you with loads of info!=) So, watch for it...
Co-Founder
Co-Founder
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
US top culprit of global warming
May 04, 2007 12:00
THE United States, the world's top belcher of greenhouse gas emissions, is "the biggest culprit" of climate change, the WWF said, urging Washington to take swift action against global warming.
"They are the biggest culprit and they are the biggest offender of climate,'' said Stephan Singer, head of the environmental group WWF's climate change policy unit.
"The United States should take climate change seriously,'' Singer told reporters in Bangkok, where scientists around the world are attending the week-long session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN's leading authority on global warming.
While accusing the US of "ignoring science'' on global warming, the WWF still urged Washington to lead the world in combating climate change.
"What's happening in the United States is important because it is still the largest emitter'' of greenhouse gas, said Hans Verolme, director of WWF's global climate change program.
"The United States should take on economy-wise carbon reduction targets,'' Verolme said.
The US, the world's biggest economy, consumes around a quarter of global energy and causes nearly 30 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
US President George W. Bush has incurred the wrath of environmentalists by abandoning the 1995 Kyoto Protocol, which aims to reduce the emission of climate change-causing carbon dioxide, saying it would hurt the US economy.
Verolme argued not only the US but other top industrialised nations, notably the Group of Eight (G8) countries, should act to find common ground against climate change.
"I think the G8 should show some leadership. They are collectively the world's largest economy, and they should collectively take action,'' he said, adding climate change was among key topics at next month's G8 summit in Germany.
But Verolme argued a lack of political will from global leaders continued to hamper progress on tackling climate change.
"We can tackle climate change, but that really depends on political action. We need action from all governments,'' he said.
"Countries do not promote the use of renewable energy. Given current energy prices, I frankly don't know why,'' the climate change expert said, but adding that it would take some time for the world to see united political leadership.
"Political systems are very slow to change. It's like steering a super tanker.''
Bibliography:
TheDailyTelegraph(2007). US top culprit of global warming. Retrieved May 5,2007 from http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21665879-5006007,00.html?from=public_rss
THE United States, the world's top belcher of greenhouse gas emissions, is "the biggest culprit" of climate change, the WWF said, urging Washington to take swift action against global warming.
"They are the biggest culprit and they are the biggest offender of climate,'' said Stephan Singer, head of the environmental group WWF's climate change policy unit.
"The United States should take climate change seriously,'' Singer told reporters in Bangkok, where scientists around the world are attending the week-long session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN's leading authority on global warming.
While accusing the US of "ignoring science'' on global warming, the WWF still urged Washington to lead the world in combating climate change.
"What's happening in the United States is important because it is still the largest emitter'' of greenhouse gas, said Hans Verolme, director of WWF's global climate change program.
"The United States should take on economy-wise carbon reduction targets,'' Verolme said.
The US, the world's biggest economy, consumes around a quarter of global energy and causes nearly 30 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
US President George W. Bush has incurred the wrath of environmentalists by abandoning the 1995 Kyoto Protocol, which aims to reduce the emission of climate change-causing carbon dioxide, saying it would hurt the US economy.
Verolme argued not only the US but other top industrialised nations, notably the Group of Eight (G8) countries, should act to find common ground against climate change.
"I think the G8 should show some leadership. They are collectively the world's largest economy, and they should collectively take action,'' he said, adding climate change was among key topics at next month's G8 summit in Germany.
But Verolme argued a lack of political will from global leaders continued to hamper progress on tackling climate change.
"We can tackle climate change, but that really depends on political action. We need action from all governments,'' he said.
"Countries do not promote the use of renewable energy. Given current energy prices, I frankly don't know why,'' the climate change expert said, but adding that it would take some time for the world to see united political leadership.
"Political systems are very slow to change. It's like steering a super tanker.''
Bibliography:
TheDailyTelegraph(2007). US top culprit of global warming. Retrieved May 5,2007 from http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21665879-5006007,00.html?from=public_rss
Panel Calculates Cost of Global Warming Fix
Nations Could Afford Solutions, Scientists Say
By Marc Kaufman
Washington Post Staff WriterSaturday,
May 5, 2007
An international scientific panel for the first time yesterday put a price tag on what it would take to avoid the worst effects of global warming, concluding that the effort would be affordable and would be partially offset by economic and other benefits.
The most ambitious option, aimed at stabilizing the level of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels by 2030, would require measures that would add $100 to the costs associated with each ton of carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere, said the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
In a telephone news conference, several participants estimated that choosing that option could result in raising the cost of gasoline by up to one dollar a gallon over the next several decades.
Despite the likely costs, the consensus report of most of the world's governments said nations had no choice but to act. "If we continue doing what we are doing now, we are in deep trouble," said Ogunlade Davidson, co-chair of the working group responsible for the report on mitigating the effects of warming.
The White House quickly issued a statement rejecting the more aggressive options outlined by the report. Referring to the highest-cost scenario, James L. Connaughton, chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said it "would of course cause global recession, so that is something that we probably want to avoid."
Overall, the report said, blunting the consequences of global warming will require different lifestyles, higher prices for basics including gasoline and electricity, and a much greater investment in research and development efforts. The impact of those costs, however, would be significantly offset by the benefits of a less carbon-dependent economy, including a cleaner environment, more secure sources of energy and in some cases reduced costs for more energy-efficient cars, appliances and houses, the report said.
After five sometimes contentious days of negotiation to finalize the "Summary for Policymakers" at a conference in Bangkok, the panel issued the document without specific recommendations on how best to address the threat from global warming. Instead, it offered projections of how much carbon dioxide would have to be eliminated to meet various goals for limiting greenhouse gases, along with assessments of hundreds of approaches.
The U.S. delegation embraced parts of the report, especially those highlighting possible new clean-energy technologies. But in his opening statement to a news conference yesterday, conference chairman Rajendra K. Pachauri said that "it is probably naive to believe that merely developing technologies in labs and workshops is the answer."
Pachauri said it will be necessary to put a price on carbon emissions, either through taxes or "cap and trade" systems, in which polluters buy and sell rights to put given amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Unless governments take action and "market forces [are] present to attach a price to carbon, we're not likely to get a major dissemination of technologies, no matter how meritorious they may be," he added.
While the report did not specify what that price should be, it outlined how much benefit would come at various cost levels -- $20, $50 or $100 per ton of emitted carbon. The world could meet the goal of stabilizing the level of greenhouse gases by 2030, the report said, at a sacrifice of less than 3 percent of the projected growth in the world's total economic output, or 0.12 percent annually. In other words, the world economy could still grow robustly, but at a slightly slower rate, while nations take steps to avoid severe climate change.
Under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the European Union has created an exchange in which the current market price for a ton of emissions is about $25. That price rises and falls with market forces and may change as the E.U. commitments under the protocol toughen in 2008.
Jonathan Pershing, one of the lead authors of the report and a program director of the World Resources Institute, said estimates of potential price increases for gas and other energy sources were not included in the report because they were based on assumptions that have not been well studied. He said the calculation of a $1-per-gallon gas price increase under the most aggressive carbon-reduction plan is based on the amount of carbon dioxide released when burning a gallon of gas.
Bibliography:
Marc Kaufman (2007). Panel Calculates Cost of Global Warming Fix. Washingtompost.com. Retrieved May 6, 2007 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/04/AR2007050401214.html
By Marc Kaufman
Washington Post Staff WriterSaturday,
May 5, 2007
An international scientific panel for the first time yesterday put a price tag on what it would take to avoid the worst effects of global warming, concluding that the effort would be affordable and would be partially offset by economic and other benefits.
The most ambitious option, aimed at stabilizing the level of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels by 2030, would require measures that would add $100 to the costs associated with each ton of carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere, said the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
In a telephone news conference, several participants estimated that choosing that option could result in raising the cost of gasoline by up to one dollar a gallon over the next several decades.
Despite the likely costs, the consensus report of most of the world's governments said nations had no choice but to act. "If we continue doing what we are doing now, we are in deep trouble," said Ogunlade Davidson, co-chair of the working group responsible for the report on mitigating the effects of warming.
The White House quickly issued a statement rejecting the more aggressive options outlined by the report. Referring to the highest-cost scenario, James L. Connaughton, chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said it "would of course cause global recession, so that is something that we probably want to avoid."
Overall, the report said, blunting the consequences of global warming will require different lifestyles, higher prices for basics including gasoline and electricity, and a much greater investment in research and development efforts. The impact of those costs, however, would be significantly offset by the benefits of a less carbon-dependent economy, including a cleaner environment, more secure sources of energy and in some cases reduced costs for more energy-efficient cars, appliances and houses, the report said.
After five sometimes contentious days of negotiation to finalize the "Summary for Policymakers" at a conference in Bangkok, the panel issued the document without specific recommendations on how best to address the threat from global warming. Instead, it offered projections of how much carbon dioxide would have to be eliminated to meet various goals for limiting greenhouse gases, along with assessments of hundreds of approaches.
The U.S. delegation embraced parts of the report, especially those highlighting possible new clean-energy technologies. But in his opening statement to a news conference yesterday, conference chairman Rajendra K. Pachauri said that "it is probably naive to believe that merely developing technologies in labs and workshops is the answer."
Pachauri said it will be necessary to put a price on carbon emissions, either through taxes or "cap and trade" systems, in which polluters buy and sell rights to put given amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Unless governments take action and "market forces [are] present to attach a price to carbon, we're not likely to get a major dissemination of technologies, no matter how meritorious they may be," he added.
While the report did not specify what that price should be, it outlined how much benefit would come at various cost levels -- $20, $50 or $100 per ton of emitted carbon. The world could meet the goal of stabilizing the level of greenhouse gases by 2030, the report said, at a sacrifice of less than 3 percent of the projected growth in the world's total economic output, or 0.12 percent annually. In other words, the world economy could still grow robustly, but at a slightly slower rate, while nations take steps to avoid severe climate change.
Under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the European Union has created an exchange in which the current market price for a ton of emissions is about $25. That price rises and falls with market forces and may change as the E.U. commitments under the protocol toughen in 2008.
Jonathan Pershing, one of the lead authors of the report and a program director of the World Resources Institute, said estimates of potential price increases for gas and other energy sources were not included in the report because they were based on assumptions that have not been well studied. He said the calculation of a $1-per-gallon gas price increase under the most aggressive carbon-reduction plan is based on the amount of carbon dioxide released when burning a gallon of gas.
Bibliography:
Marc Kaufman (2007). Panel Calculates Cost of Global Warming Fix. Washingtompost.com. Retrieved May 6, 2007 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/04/AR2007050401214.html
Ignorance about climate change isn’t an option
07 Apr 2007
Brussels, Belgium – The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presents a devastating outlook for the world's environment and economy, unless action is taken to stop climate change.
The IPCC report clearly shows that the impacts of climate change are here, now and will only get worse. Sea levels are already rising; 100 million people who live less than one metre above sea level are at risk of losing their homes and their livelihoods. In India and China people could go hungry as crops fail due to the effects of global warming.
Freshwater supply for hundreds of millions of people is at risk. But even this summary report only represents the tip of the iceberg. The effects of climate change are altering the chemistry of the planet, causing the extinctions of species, and undermining economic and social development.
"Delegates wrestled to agree each word because they knew that their heads of state are anxiously waiting for the conclusions of this important scientific conference," says Hans Verolme, Director of WWF's Global Climate Change Programme.
"The urgency of this report, prepared by the world's top scientists, should be matched with an equally urgent response by governments.”
"There's no escaping the facts: global warming will bring hunger, floods and water shortages. Poor countries that bear least responsibility will suffer most — and they have no money to respond — but people should also be aware that even the richer countries risk enormous damage. Doing nothing is not an option, on the contrary it will have disastrous consequences. The industrialized countries simply need to accept their responsibilities and start implementing the solutions," adds Verolme.
The IPCC experts state clearly that some climate change is already unavoidable: but there is still time to protect ourselves against some of the most disastrous effects. This response must come as part of a broad and rapid change of development strategies, looking to avoid significant CO2 emissions.
"The irritating thing is that we have all the tools at hand to limit climate change and save the world from the worst impacts," says Dr Lara Hansen, Chief Scientist of WWF's Global Climate Change Programme.
"The IPCC makes it clear that there is a window of opportunity but that it's closing fast. The world needs to use its collective brains to think ahead for the next ten years and work together to prevent this crisis."
"It becomes an economic as much as an ethical priority to defend what remains of nature on this planet -mangroves and coral reefs protect coasts, forests protect watersheds," adds Hansen. "Our societies are dependent upon nature, yet we have undermined it for centuries. Now, with climate change, we are attacking the very basis of the natural world, putting us all at risk."
Bibliography:
Belgium Brussels (2007). Ignorance about climate change isn’t an option. WWF- Climate Change. Retrieved May 6, 2007 from http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/climate_change/news/index.cfm?uNewsID=98700
Brussels, Belgium – The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presents a devastating outlook for the world's environment and economy, unless action is taken to stop climate change.
The IPCC report clearly shows that the impacts of climate change are here, now and will only get worse. Sea levels are already rising; 100 million people who live less than one metre above sea level are at risk of losing their homes and their livelihoods. In India and China people could go hungry as crops fail due to the effects of global warming.
Freshwater supply for hundreds of millions of people is at risk. But even this summary report only represents the tip of the iceberg. The effects of climate change are altering the chemistry of the planet, causing the extinctions of species, and undermining economic and social development.
"Delegates wrestled to agree each word because they knew that their heads of state are anxiously waiting for the conclusions of this important scientific conference," says Hans Verolme, Director of WWF's Global Climate Change Programme.
"The urgency of this report, prepared by the world's top scientists, should be matched with an equally urgent response by governments.”
"There's no escaping the facts: global warming will bring hunger, floods and water shortages. Poor countries that bear least responsibility will suffer most — and they have no money to respond — but people should also be aware that even the richer countries risk enormous damage. Doing nothing is not an option, on the contrary it will have disastrous consequences. The industrialized countries simply need to accept their responsibilities and start implementing the solutions," adds Verolme.
The IPCC experts state clearly that some climate change is already unavoidable: but there is still time to protect ourselves against some of the most disastrous effects. This response must come as part of a broad and rapid change of development strategies, looking to avoid significant CO2 emissions.
"The irritating thing is that we have all the tools at hand to limit climate change and save the world from the worst impacts," says Dr Lara Hansen, Chief Scientist of WWF's Global Climate Change Programme.
"The IPCC makes it clear that there is a window of opportunity but that it's closing fast. The world needs to use its collective brains to think ahead for the next ten years and work together to prevent this crisis."
"It becomes an economic as much as an ethical priority to defend what remains of nature on this planet -mangroves and coral reefs protect coasts, forests protect watersheds," adds Hansen. "Our societies are dependent upon nature, yet we have undermined it for centuries. Now, with climate change, we are attacking the very basis of the natural world, putting us all at risk."
Bibliography:
Belgium Brussels (2007). Ignorance about climate change isn’t an option. WWF- Climate Change. Retrieved May 6, 2007 from http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/climate_change/news/index.cfm?uNewsID=98700
Delegates Work on Climate Change Accord
Delegates from More Than 150 Countries Begin Work on Accord to Control Carbon Emissions
The 166 countries and organizations on Monday opened a two-week meeting of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, where they are to negotiate key elements of a treaty to succeed the 10-year-old Kyoto Protocol, which set binding targets on industrial countries to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases believed to cause global warming.
The Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012, and delegates said a new accord should be in place within two years to move smoothly into a new system of controls.
Ideas raised at the preliminary meeting in Bonn will be put before a larger meeting in December in Bali, Indonesia, when U.N. officials hope to launch formal negotiations on a post-Kyoto treaty.
That treaty also should draw in the United States, the world's largest polluter, which refused to accept the mandatory limits of the Kyoto system, and emerging giants like India and China, which were exempted from Kyoto obligations, U.N. officials say.
German delegate Nicole Wilke, speaking for the European Union, told the conference's opening session that global carbon emissions should peak within 10 to 15 years, and afterward should move toward a 50 percent decrease.
She reiterated the EU's commitment to reduce emissions by 30 percent from 1990 levels by 2020, as long as other countries join in that target. At the very least, she said, Europe would slash emissions by 20 percent within 13 years.
Pakistan, speaking on behalf of 77 developing countries plus China, put the onus on industrial countries to increase funding and technology help.
Though the world faces a common goal, countries must meet them according to their "respective capabilities," Pakistani delegate Jamil Ahmad said. That meant deep emissions cuts by the developed world and helping less capable countries build their capacity to adapt to new weather conditions.
Bibliography:
Daniela Pegna (2007). Delegates Work on Climate Change Accord. abc NEWS- Technology and Science. Retrieved May 7, 2007 from http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=3150405
The Associated Press
The Associated Press
By DANIELA PEGNA Associated Press Writer
By DANIELA PEGNA Associated Press Writer
BONN, Germany May 8, 2007 (AP)
More than 1,000 diplomats have begun working on a new accord to control greenhouse gases, with developing countries calling for more money and expertise to help them fight the potentially catastrophic effects of global warming.
The 166 countries and organizations on Monday opened a two-week meeting of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, where they are to negotiate key elements of a treaty to succeed the 10-year-old Kyoto Protocol, which set binding targets on industrial countries to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases believed to cause global warming.
The Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012, and delegates said a new accord should be in place within two years to move smoothly into a new system of controls.
Ideas raised at the preliminary meeting in Bonn will be put before a larger meeting in December in Bali, Indonesia, when U.N. officials hope to launch formal negotiations on a post-Kyoto treaty.
That treaty also should draw in the United States, the world's largest polluter, which refused to accept the mandatory limits of the Kyoto system, and emerging giants like India and China, which were exempted from Kyoto obligations, U.N. officials say.
German delegate Nicole Wilke, speaking for the European Union, told the conference's opening session that global carbon emissions should peak within 10 to 15 years, and afterward should move toward a 50 percent decrease.
She reiterated the EU's commitment to reduce emissions by 30 percent from 1990 levels by 2020, as long as other countries join in that target. At the very least, she said, Europe would slash emissions by 20 percent within 13 years.
Pakistan, speaking on behalf of 77 developing countries plus China, put the onus on industrial countries to increase funding and technology help.
Though the world faces a common goal, countries must meet them according to their "respective capabilities," Pakistani delegate Jamil Ahmad said. That meant deep emissions cuts by the developed world and helping less capable countries build their capacity to adapt to new weather conditions.
Bibliography:
Daniela Pegna (2007). Delegates Work on Climate Change Accord. abc NEWS- Technology and Science. Retrieved May 7, 2007 from http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=3150405
Seeing the Effects of Global Warming In the Arctic
May 10, 2007
WCCO) For most of the United States, the effects of global warming have been subtle and so far, there has been no major harm.
While the average global temperature has increased only one degree, the temperatures above the Arctic Circle have increased 12 degrees.
WCCO-TV's Don Shelby took a rare trip to the Arctic, where he joined Will Steger and his expedition in a town called Clyde River on Baffin Island. It is a place where global warming threatens not only the polar bear but the people who live there.
Above the Arctic Circle is one of the most forbidding and beautiful places on earth. The frozen silence of the land of ice and snow can be warmed by the laughter of Inuit children.
There is immediate evidence of global warming when looking out the window of the airplane. The ice should still be frozen solid this time of year, but the break-up and melt is coming earlier and earlier to Baffin Island and the people who make their life on the ice.
After landing, Shelby joined up with Steger's Global Warming 101 expedition, where the effects of climate change have already altered part of Steger's route.
"We were going to cross what is called the Cumberland South, 50 miles across, 150 miles long," Steger said. "Normally you just go right across to get to the village of Pangnirtung, but that entire area was open up this year, it totally broke up in January.
"There's also a lot less snow than in previous years. Glaciers once covered the now-exposed mountain faces, but the real story could be better told by the Inuit people who have been living global warming for the past 20 years.
"The ice condition is not stable anymore," said Simon Qamanirq, who hunts for his community.
Qamanirq said he is mad in some ways at people in the south for what is happening, but he doesn't dwell on it because he can't help the situation.
"This is ground zero for global warming." Steger explained. "The Inuit culture is totally changing. They're going to adapt to this, but they have no voice and we want to give these people a voice, but I think more than that. We need to hear that global warming is affecting a culture, it's affecting people.
"Steger has invited some high-powered help. Ed Viesturs has climbed the world's 14 highest mountains, including six times to the top of Everest.
"We read about global warming," Viesturs said. "We're not as affected by it yet. So I don't think we take it seriously or a lot of people don't, but if we can show that there are people living this right now. They are living the changes and it is affecting their lives.
"The team is headquartered in an unremarkable house on an inlet to the Arctic Ocean called Clyde River. It is a busy place where sleds need to be packed, routes need to be planned and in one corner is Sir Richard Branson, one of the world's most famous and richest men.
Branson has offered $25 million to anyone who can find a solution to the build-up of atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is one of the causes of global warming.
"They can see how much thinner the ice is getting," Branson said. "They're losing fellow elders through the ice.
"The night before the teams head off to cross the fifth largest island on Earth, the Inuit of Clyde River gather in the community hall for a feast.
Caribou meat and Arctic char is spread out on tarps, brought in by hunters to share. They gather to thank Steger, his team and Branson.
The Mayor said how much it means to his people that their story is being told to the world.
"Some people predict that the Arctic has not got that many more years and look at the beauty of it. It would be too sad for words to see it disappear," Branson said.
"Ironically, you know what the people up here say? 'We will adapt, but can the people of the south adapt to this?" Steger said.
The south is us and global warming seems like only a distant threat. For Steger, the stakes are higher and the danger already here, especially for the Inuit people.
"If it gets worse, what's going to happen to the Inuit?" Shelby asked.
"I don't know, that's a good question," Qamanirq said. "But maybe we'll have to stop traveling in the winter then.
" There is no false distinction as "them and us" for Steger. For him, it is "we".
Steger's group plans to finish their expedition next week in the town of Igloolik.
Bibliography:
Don Shelby (2007).Seeing the effects of Global Warming in Arctic. WCCO.Com. Retrieved May 10, 2007 from http://wcco.com/local/local_story_130084524.html
WCCO) For most of the United States, the effects of global warming have been subtle and so far, there has been no major harm.
While the average global temperature has increased only one degree, the temperatures above the Arctic Circle have increased 12 degrees.
WCCO-TV's Don Shelby took a rare trip to the Arctic, where he joined Will Steger and his expedition in a town called Clyde River on Baffin Island. It is a place where global warming threatens not only the polar bear but the people who live there.
Above the Arctic Circle is one of the most forbidding and beautiful places on earth. The frozen silence of the land of ice and snow can be warmed by the laughter of Inuit children.
There is immediate evidence of global warming when looking out the window of the airplane. The ice should still be frozen solid this time of year, but the break-up and melt is coming earlier and earlier to Baffin Island and the people who make their life on the ice.
After landing, Shelby joined up with Steger's Global Warming 101 expedition, where the effects of climate change have already altered part of Steger's route.
"We were going to cross what is called the Cumberland South, 50 miles across, 150 miles long," Steger said. "Normally you just go right across to get to the village of Pangnirtung, but that entire area was open up this year, it totally broke up in January.
"There's also a lot less snow than in previous years. Glaciers once covered the now-exposed mountain faces, but the real story could be better told by the Inuit people who have been living global warming for the past 20 years.
"The ice condition is not stable anymore," said Simon Qamanirq, who hunts for his community.
Qamanirq said he is mad in some ways at people in the south for what is happening, but he doesn't dwell on it because he can't help the situation.
"This is ground zero for global warming." Steger explained. "The Inuit culture is totally changing. They're going to adapt to this, but they have no voice and we want to give these people a voice, but I think more than that. We need to hear that global warming is affecting a culture, it's affecting people.
"Steger has invited some high-powered help. Ed Viesturs has climbed the world's 14 highest mountains, including six times to the top of Everest.
"We read about global warming," Viesturs said. "We're not as affected by it yet. So I don't think we take it seriously or a lot of people don't, but if we can show that there are people living this right now. They are living the changes and it is affecting their lives.
"The team is headquartered in an unremarkable house on an inlet to the Arctic Ocean called Clyde River. It is a busy place where sleds need to be packed, routes need to be planned and in one corner is Sir Richard Branson, one of the world's most famous and richest men.
Branson has offered $25 million to anyone who can find a solution to the build-up of atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is one of the causes of global warming.
"They can see how much thinner the ice is getting," Branson said. "They're losing fellow elders through the ice.
"The night before the teams head off to cross the fifth largest island on Earth, the Inuit of Clyde River gather in the community hall for a feast.
Caribou meat and Arctic char is spread out on tarps, brought in by hunters to share. They gather to thank Steger, his team and Branson.
The Mayor said how much it means to his people that their story is being told to the world.
"Some people predict that the Arctic has not got that many more years and look at the beauty of it. It would be too sad for words to see it disappear," Branson said.
"Ironically, you know what the people up here say? 'We will adapt, but can the people of the south adapt to this?" Steger said.
The south is us and global warming seems like only a distant threat. For Steger, the stakes are higher and the danger already here, especially for the Inuit people.
"If it gets worse, what's going to happen to the Inuit?" Shelby asked.
"I don't know, that's a good question," Qamanirq said. "But maybe we'll have to stop traveling in the winter then.
" There is no false distinction as "them and us" for Steger. For him, it is "we".
Steger's group plans to finish their expedition next week in the town of Igloolik.
Bibliography:
Don Shelby (2007).Seeing the effects of Global Warming in Arctic. WCCO.Com. Retrieved May 10, 2007 from http://wcco.com/local/local_story_130084524.html
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